Star Weekly - Brimbank North West - 7th January 2025
Industrialfiresandfiretruckfailuresregularly hit the headlines in the west in 2024 – none more so than in Brimbank.
In July, a blaze at a chemical factory in Derrimut sparked questions from residents about the storage and management of toxic chemicals across the western suburbs.
The July 10 inferno was sparked by an explosion at ACB Group’s chemical blending factory on Swann Drive and burned for six hours before being brought under control. Firefighters remained on the scene for weeks to ensure the fire was fully extinguished.
The fire was at the same factory where a worker died and two were injured in a fire in 2023. The Environment Protection Authority (EPA) issued the site with two notices and
inspecteditninetimessincethatfirstexplosion and found it to be compliant.
The Anti-Toxic Waste Alliance was formed after a similar factory fire in West Footscray in 2018 and several other blazes at recycling plants in the same region. It’s spokesperson Colleen Hartland said it was concerning and the repeated emergencies lessen the community’s faith in the regulators.
In October, the EPA released a report stating the fire had caused little or no harm to nearby residents and that air quality was not an issue during or after the fire.
Back in March, Brimbank firefighters voiced their frustrations over the alarming frequency of equipment failures plaguing their station.
Between September 2023 and March 2024,
the St Albans fire station received seven replacement vehicles for its fire truck.
With nearly two decades of experience in the western suburbs, station officer John Topic said the consequences of faulty equipment were “dire”.
“It has happened in the past where crews have gone into a structure to battle a blaze or perform a rescue and the truck has shut down. When that happens we have to withdraw the crew for their own safety until we can establish more water,” Mr Topic said.
The situation was equally dire at Sunshine Fire Station, where a crucial firefighting truck, the teleboom, had been absent since February 2023. This specialised truck, used for tackling fires in narrow streets, left firefighters
handicapped in critical situations.
Sunshine station’s teleboom hit the headlines again in October – this time because it was stuck in an up position due to a broken cover, leaving the truck with critical damage.
In November, Caroline Springs firefighters experienced a double truck fault after a spare fire truck sent to replace a broken down pumper also had to be taken offline.
Throughout the year Fire Rescue Victoria moved to reassure the community that the western suburbs were well protected, adding that the organisation ensures appropriate equipment is deployed to emergencies to protect firefighters and the community. It said there was “no single point of dependency”.
St Albans Fire Station station officer Kieran Cardillo (front), with firefighters Chris Bloder, Clare Butler and Nathan Miller. (Damjan Janevski) 396286_01
Bid for change for Boof’s sake
August 13
When Sharon Taylor’s staffy, Boof, was seized by Brimbank council, she was assured her dog would be fine. Seven months later, he was destroyed by the council.
Ms Taylor is now vowing to advocate for change, so no other pet owner has to go through her pain.
OnDecember27lastyear,shewalkingBoof, on a leash, through Sunshine as she regularly would, when the pair encountered a small Maltese terrier on a leash with another owner.
She said the dog was aggressive to Boof, causing him to retaliate and attack the smaller dog, requiring it to need stitches and medication, but the dog has since recovered.
At the end of February, Boof was seized by council. Ms Taylor said despite being assured at the time that Boof would not be put down, he never returned home.
“Council claimed to have sent a letter about their decision on July 3, which I never received,” she said.
“ThenonAugust1wereceivedaletterdated July 26 stating that Boof would be destroyed, and it stated they didn’t hear from us for a request to review the decision.
“Despite our attempts to prevent this by callingandemailing,wediscoveredonAugust 5 that Boof had already been destroyed a week prior.
“The handling of this situation has been profoundly disturbing and lacking in basic dignity. I am dedicated to advocating for changes in the laws and procedures governing such cases.
“It is unacceptable for a council to issue a decision to destroy a dog via standard mail … and to deny our family an opportunity to say goodbye.
“The destruction of a dog on a leash with a first offense is disgraceful.”
Ms Taylor said she made regular visits to Boof after he was seized and raised concerns about his care, including that he had developed pressure sores and had overgrown nails.
She said council stopped taking her calls, citing the case’s transition to court.
“After the court ruling, I repeatedly contacted council on June 28, July 3, and July 5, but they refused to speak with me. My emails requesting updates went unanswered.”
Ms Taylor said she was devastated to lose her best friend, and felt like council didn’t
“The court date was June 27, where Boof was found guilty, and the judge waived the pound fees but required me to pay the vet bills.
show any care.“I had Boof for just over three years. After my father-in-law passed away, Boof had nowhere to go, so I took him in. He quickly became my best friend and a crucial support for my anxiety and depression,” she said.
Council’s letter on July 26 stated that Ms Taylor could collect Boof following
destruction if she wanted to, however when she asked to collect his ashes last week, she was told he was cremated with other dogs so this was not possible.
A Brimbank council spokesperson said, “Thismatterhasbeenresolvedwiththeowner. Council does not comment on individual matters for privacy reasons”.
Funding bites food aid at Duke Street house
February 13
Across Australia queues for food relief continue to grow. The situation is no different in Braybrook at the Duke Street Community House (DSCH).
The DSCH has been a source of support for locals in Braybrook for a number of years. But with rising demand and dwindling resources, the future of its food relief service is under a cloud.
DSCH manager Emma Price said currently the food relief program operates without funding. “Demand is currently in excess of what we can provide,” she said.
“During COVID-19 our food relief program expanded to a point where we realised we couldn’t house it in our small, little neighbourhood house. We had the very generous support of Central West Shopping.
Centre who offered us the space two years ago, at no cost. Now we’re coming up to three years that we’ve been delivering the program in Braybrook.
“In the last 12 months we have seen a massive increase in our weekly service, with a range of people connecting with our service, many who have never accessed food relief before. There are many people working and people who receive government benefits, but it’s not covering all their costs.”
Ms Price said as demand continues to climb, the future of the food relief program is becoming increasingly uncertain.
“Currently we fund it completely internally, we run at a loss – and it is a massive financial
burden to our community house. We have lovely key partners and we previously had state government funding for the food relief program, but those funds ceased as of the end of last year,” she said.
A state government spokesperson said the DSCH receives funding through the state government’s Neighbourhood House Coordination Program. However Ms Price said the funding is used for the day to day operations of the organisation and its core services.
“DSCH receives minimal funding from the state government which does not cover the cost of the food relief program. We do not receive specific funding for the food relief program, and there is no room to cover the cost of the program within the funding we do receive,” Ms Price said.
“We recognise that the need for food relief in our community is so huge so we made the decision not to step out at the end of last year. It was an incredibly tough decision for an organisation our size to make, but an
even tougher decision would be to leave 150 families without food to eat.”
The DSCH offers the food relief service with a postcode restriction, accessible to locals living in the 3020, 3019 and 3012 postcodes through a ‘market-style’ service.
“We are able to provide people with choice so that they’re not just getting a box, and it also helps reduce food waste as people can choose foods they like to eat and know how to cook with,” Ms Price said.
“At times food does run out, and at the moment we are able to meet the needs of everyone who comes in and nobody leaves empty handed. However, quite often people who might present to us don’t live in the area and so we make sure they don’t leave empty handed, but unfortunately they can’t come back.
“Long term it’s not a viable option for us to continue internally funding it, what that means is that we have to either reduce our service or ideally refer our families onto other local services, however most other services like us are also struggling to meet demand.”
Maribyrnong council chief executive Celia Haddock said council acknowledges that peopleinthecommunityaredealingwithcost of living pressures, leading to higher demand for food services.
“While Maribyrnong council does provide funding to Duke Street Community House, along with Brimbank council, and other neighbourhood houses within the municipality, the state government is best placed to provide ongoing funding for this program,” she said.
Duke Street Community House volunteers Estevan and Jadwiga. (Damjan Janevski: 386360)
Boof was destroyed by council, leaving Sharon Taylor without her best friend. (Damjan Janevski: 424093_02)
Brimbank council to monitored
February 20
Brimbank residents and several councillors have welcomed the state government’s decision to appoint municipal monitors to oversee Brimbank council.
Last week Local Government Minister Melissa Horne announced Janet Dore and Penelope Holloway had been appointed as monitors until the end of the year, saying assigning monitors had proved to be effective at guiding councils to make improvements in governance to help them better serve their communities.
“Governance issues must be addressed, and the monitors will help identify what is needed
to ensure Brimbank City Council can best represent its ratepayers,” Ms Horne said.
“The purpose of local government is to serve its community, and the appointment of municipal monitors at Brimbank City Council will help resolve ongoing issues at the council.”
The decision comes after months of tensions among councillors.
As reported by Star Weekly, several councillors failed to attend two council meetings late last year which lead to one meeting not being held. Two councillors, Maria Kerr and Virginia Tachos, highlighted feeling unsafe.
Brimbank mayor Ranka Rasic said the council was committed to working together in
the best interests of the community.
“I fully support and welcome the appointment of municipal monitors to improve behaviour and governance for our community’s benefit,” she said.
“It’s crucial for all councillors to know their duties under the Local Government Act, and worktogetherforBrimbank’sgoodgovernance and the best outcomes for the community.
“It is absolutely essential the local community has confidence in the governance of council by all of the elected representatives.
Cr Kerr took to social media to throw her support behind the decision to bring in municipal monitors.
“I welcome this decision with open arms,”
Parking pains for Glengala village
May 21
Glengala Village business owners are calling on Brimbank council to rethink proposed streetscape changes, as they voice concerns over a lack of parking spaces.
Glengala fresh owner Wayne Gifford said the the options in council’s ‘Glengala Village streetscape improvements’ will result in a loss of parking spaces.
“It is constantly mentioned everyday by customers about how difficult it already is to park. There’s just not enough spaces,” he said. “In real terms it will mean there are less spaces. People already tell us that if there’s no space to park, then they won’t bother parking
in side streets; they’ll just go somewhere else.
“A lot of the people who shop here are elderly, and they need convenience.”
Mr Gifford said fellow traders have asked him and his wife, Dea, to speak up on behalf of them due to language barriers. He said some traders were completely unaware these changes were even being discussed.
“The plans for the streetscape changes are dated. Council spoke to people in the area aboutthisin2018.Sincethen,sixoftheowners have changed hands. A lot has happened since then including the pandemic, the world is a different place now. After the pandemic everything is now about convenience.”
Mr Gifford said council needed to reassess
Calder Freeway funding put on ice
May 14
Locals say their “worst fears have been realised” after the state government revealed it has indefinitely paused funding for long-awaited Calder Freeway upgrades.
The 2024-25 state budget, handed down by treasurer Tim Pallas on May 7, confirmed the future of the Calder Freeway improvements project remains uncertain, with the state government detailing that it has paused the projectasitworkswiththefederalgovernment to “understand the impact” of its decision to withdraw federal funding from the project last year.
In November last year, the federal government released its long-awaited national infrastructure review detailing that the Calder Freeway would not be receiving the multi-million dollar funding that was promised.
The federal government had allocated $50 million in funding in 2019, with the state government announcing it would also allocate $50 million to the project in 2021.
Since then, question marks have hung over the state government’s $50-million funding, with it refusing to confirm whether its investment for Calder Freeway upgrades would go ahead.
Calder Action Group president Russell Mowatt said community members are “appalled”bythedecisiontopausethefunding.
Last month, Brimbank council led a chorus of calls for government investment at a ‘Fix the Calder’ community event where it launched am advocacy brochure on ‘Improving the Calder Highway’. Council said the Calder is one of Australia’ most dangerous roads and safety upgrades are “urgently needed.“
she said. “I am a staunch advocate for transparency, good governance and scrutiny.” Cr Tachos also supported the move to appoint monitors.
“I am pleased to hear the appointment of municipal monitors to Brimbank City Council to address the current governance concerns as outlined in their terms of reference and look for and to working with them,” she said.
“Our community expects the highest standards from elected officials and leadersto help build public trust and ensure positive outcomes are delivered for our communities.”
Several residents in community groups also welcomed the decision.
Third runway approved
September 17
Melbourne Airport’s third runway has been given the green light by the federal government, but not everyone has welcomed the decision.
Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister Catherine King approved a development plan for the new north-south runway – submitted to the government 19 months ago.
She said the runway meets the demands of a “growing city”. It will be completed in 2031.
Ms King said “certain conditions” had been imposed on Melbourne Airport to reduce community impact, including restoration of the east-west runway to maximise the opportunities for noise sharing, and the implementation of a noise amelioration program to communities most impacted.
the way it is seeking to create more open space.
“They want to widen the footpaths which seems like to me will result in limited spaces. What good is it if people can fit, but can’t park? They just won’t come,” he said.
Brimbank council infrastructure and city services acting director Tom Razmovski said council is aware of the concerns of some of the traders and recently gathered feedback on the draft designs from people in Glengala Village.
“The design options for improvements to GlengalaVillagecurrentlyunderconsideration either have the same number of carparks with some relocated close by, or a total reduction of two carparks,” Mr Razmovski said.
Brimbank council said it was “disappointed” with the government’s decision to approve the runway without first having commissioned an independent health impact assessment.
“It is encouraging to see that our advocacy has resulted in the federal government imposing conditions on Melbourne Airport, but we are concerned these conditions are not yet firmly detailed and may not go far enough in mitigating noise and health impacts,” mayor Ranka Rasic said.
Melbourne Airport chief executive Lorie Argus said the airport would be facilitating noise attenuation for dwellings in the most impacted areas”.
of February
Glengala Village traders Hand Wok, Wayne Gifford and Dung Dinh. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 405720_02
Advice from a cancer survivor
November 5
After a courageous battle, west mum Lynn Burgess conquered cancer in just over a year. She spotted a lump on her armpit while shaving while pregnant with her son.
“I found the lump when I was about eight months and I was diagnosed when he was three weeks old,” Lynn said.
Lynn endured an extremely heavy course of treatment, including a mastectomy, chemotherapy, radiation therapy and immunotherapy.
“The original lump was in my armpit and it spread to my lymph nodes. It grew pretty quick, it’s about the size of a golf ball,” she said.
“To be honest, I gave myself a day to be shocked. Then I just said to the doctors, you can do whatever you want with my body, but you can’t take my mind. So, I had treatment once a week and that was the only day I thought about it.
“I lost all my hair, I gained weight from being pregnant and gained more weight from steroids. I didn’t really look in the mirror that much, I had no idea who I was. I just kept
reminding myself that internally, I am the same person. It’s just externally that doesn’t really match up.”
For Lynn, cancer did not stop her life,
motherhood and self-expression.
“My son got me through it because I woke up in the morning and he just wanted me to be a mum, so that’s what I did,” she said.
“Even after my mastectomy, I developed a way to get him out of the cot with one arm. Nothing stopped me! I made sure I was there for that baby every single day. He had no idea that I had cancer and he didn’t care that I was huge from steroids or bald. Cancer made our bond stronger because he just loved me for who I was.
“I know it may be confronting for people but I think it’s important to find someone that you can confide in that won’t judge you. If you don’t have that, write it down and burn the piece of paper. That’s what I did a lot and got it out of my system.
“At the time, I used to be like why me? But now I look at myself in the mirror and say, ‘you beat that’. Obviously, science helps, but my body is phenomenal. It carried a human and it beat cancer. I’m just so thankful that.”
Sunshine Private Hospital closure a shock
June 4
Less than 15 months after the multi-million dollar Sunshine Private Hospital was officially unveiled, the hospital is now closed and has entered into voluntary administration.
Health Worker Union (HWU) spokesperson Jake Mcguinness said it was disappointing that staff were given “such little notice” of the hospital’s closure.
“It’s very disapointng that workers were only given a very short timeframe to make
ABC Radio Melbourne reported on May 28, that the Sunshine Private Hospital was cancelling surgeries and relocating patients as it was placed into voluntary administration.
themselves aware of it,” he said.
Mr Mcguiness said the Sunshine Private Hospital was a project that was “a little overambitious” and was potentially delivered earlier than the demand for it was established.
EY Australia has taken on the receivership of the Sunshine Private Hospital following what it has described as a “challenging
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period for the hospital’s operator” and the appointment of Andrew McCabe and Chris Johnson from Wexted Advisors as voluntary administrator son May 27.
EY Australia said the receivers’ primary objective is to work with the landlord to identify a new operator for the Sunshine PrivateHospitaltosecureitslong-termfuture as part of the Sunshine Private Health Hub.
Lynn Burgess supported by her husband Jacob and their 20-months-old son Oakley. (Damjan Janevski: 437420)
300 for McGuane
Keilor coach Mick McGuane is set to bring up his 300th game as senior coach in the Essendon District Football League, becoming the first senior coach to do so at one club. Tara Murray chats with McGuane and a couple of people he has impacted along the way at the Blues.
August 13
Mick McGuane might be the senior coach of Keilor, but it’s not unusual for him to be watching the thirds, the under-18s or the juniors every weekend.
While it might not seem important, for McGuane it’s part of what has made Keilor so great for such a long period of time.
McGuane’s love of football goes back to when he was a kid.
“My dad was coach at Sebastopol and I was the mascot,” he said. “I could not wait to play and get muddy.
“I’ve seen a lot of kids who are six or seven with their footballs wanting to do the same thing. That is what this club is about.”
Many of the players McGuane has watched in the past 17 years have been among the 219 players to play senior football under him.
OnSaturday,August17,McGuanewillcoach his 300th senior game for the Blues.
McGuane is more focused on the team and the club than what he has achieved.
His AFL playing record speaks for itself and he had coaching success at Burnie and Gisborne before he joined the Blues.
“It is something I didn’t aim at,” McGuane said before his milestone game. “I didn’t look too far ahead when I started.
“I got told that 11 players from the preliminary final team had left and it was a late appointment and the club was looking to navigate relegation for the first time.
“Itookthatpersonallyandsomethingtoaim for … The rest is history and we went on to win the first premiership.”
McGuane said his love for winning keeps him competitive and looking for ways to improve.
He has had to reinvent himself and the club on a number of occasions.
McGuane’s interest in the junior program is not just as a supporter. He has coached a number of age groups along the years.
“Developing your junior program leads to stability and sustainability which is what you want,” he said. “I’m invested in that and you personally want to evolve them as young people and players.
“Iputmyhanduptocoach.Ihaveaninvested interest with my son as well.
“The club is in good shape and you know who is who that is coming through.”
In 2012, McGuane coached the club’s under-16 team to a premiership.
Five of those players ended up on AFL lists. Jay White, who was in the side, played his 300th game for the Blues recently.
Star midfielder Nick O’Kearney was one of the players in the under-16 team
HewasoneofthosemanykidsthatMcGuane watched from the side lines.
“He started to come and watch and offer a little bit of advice and the relationship has grown the longer I was at the footy club,”
O’Kearney said.
“The guidance and the relationship grew when I started to transition into seniors. The summer of 2011 I started training with the seniors.
“I got some confidence the more sessions I did and come the early part of the year he said he wanted to sit down with dad and I.
“He asked if I wanted to play a couple of practice matches and gain some experience. Come a couple of weeks out from round one, he floated that he thought I would be up for round one.
“I made my debut under Mick at 15.”
O’Kearney didn’t play many games under McGuane at that stage as bigger things were on the horizon. He was eventually taken by St Kilda in the rookie draft.
When O’Kearney’s AFL dream didn’t work out, he didn’t hesitate to come back to play under McGuane at Keilor.
O’Kearney said McGuane was the best coach he’s ever had.
“His knowledge,” he said. “He puts a spin on things in a way that motivates players as well.
“He has the gift of the gab and being able to adapt. I’ve experienced that for a long time.
“He takes such a vested interest in footy and your personal life.
“It was tough for a while and I wanted to get my love back for the game and I got that at Keilor.
“When I’ve had tough times especially with my neck, he was the first person at my place to offer support.
“I’m thankful for him and hopefully we can win a couple more flags together. I wouldn’t be surprised if he coaches for another 10 to 15 years.”
Current Keilor president Ray Sheridan said McGuane’s preparation for games is something most people wouldn’t realise.
“I thought I knew a lot about football and Mick made me realise how much I didn’t know,” he said.
He said it is quite remarkable that McGuane has reached this milestone, with coaching a winning business.
The club will hold a function after the game, which happens to be against Greenvale, the side McGuane coached his first game against.
Alotofformerplayersareexpectedtoattend.
“He loves game day,” Sheridan said. “He’s a good winner and also a good loser.
“He always sees positives out of losing as well.”
Looking back at his coaching career, McGuane said it was hard to pick a favourite game, with four premierships among the mix.
The first in 2008 he told the then captain Lee Fraser after losing the second semi final that he believed they could win the premiership – and they did.
After a few lean years, the Blues won in 2016 with a different group. Then there’s the perfect seasons of 2019 and 2023.
In terms of the best players he’s coached, there’s a few standouts.
“I always felt like Dean Galea was clearly the best forward,” he said. “Jarrod Garth was
a ripper as well.
“Talking mids, any of Leigh Fraser, Ricky Marcy,, Corey Ellis, Nick O’Kearney, Dylan Joyce, those types.
“Andrew Browne is the clear standout in the ruck, Down back Micka James was a stalwart.
“Jayden Laverde is still in the AFL system. Then you have Curtis Taylor, who is at North Melbourne, who gave us another avenue to goal in 2016.”
McGuane has already signed on for next year.
While the spotlight is on him this week, he’s focused on the bigger task at hand.
TheBluessitatopthepremierdivisionladder and are red hot premiership favourites.
“To be 35 games undefeated [before the match with Airport West] it’s a credit to the club and people involved.
“We are the hunted out there, people want our scalp.”
The club rooms will be open until late on Saturday for celebrations.
Main: Mick McGuane in action this year. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 422892_25
Above, top: Dylan Joyce and Mick McGuane with the 2016 premiership cup. (Damian Visentini)
Above: Mick McGuane in 2009. (Emily Lane)
We’re building the Metro Tunnel and there will be disruptions
As part of Victoria’s Big Build, we’re building the Metro Tunnel. Work is underway with the fit out of five new underground stations at Anzac, Town Hall, State Library, Parkville and Arden. We’re now testing trains through the tunnel and fitting out the station interiors, making sure they operate smoothly, safely and they’re accessible to all.
While we work, disruptions could affect your travel
Train disruptions: Buses replace trains in both directions
Sunbury Line Until 3am 12 JanNorth Melbourne to Sunbury Road disruptions: Closed lanes and ramps
West Gate Freeway, Spotswood 9pm 6 Jan to 9am 17 Feb
9pm 6 Jan to 5am 8 Mar
5am 15 Feb to 5am 8 Mar
Williamstown Road, Spotswood 9pm 6 Jan to mid Apr
Millers Road, Brooklyn 5am 15 Feb to 5am 8 Mar
Grieve Parade, Brooklyn 5am 15 Feb to 5am 8 Mar
Outbound lane from Williamstown Road to Millers Road
Outbound exit ramps to Millers Road and Grieve Parade
Citybound lane from Millers Road to Williamstown Road
Citybound exit ramp to Williamstown Road
Outbound entry ramp to West Gate Freeway
Citybound entry ramp to West Gate Freeway
Citybound entry ramp to West Gate Freeway
Town Hall Station
Scienceworks’ summer program will keep visitors bubbling away with fun (Supplied)
Summer of fun awaits kids at Scienceworks
With school holidays already halfway through, Scienceworks is ensuring there’s no shortage of familyfunentertainmentinthecomingweeks.
Summer is looking to be a scientific-delight, with the museum’s brand new Summersphere programofferingexcitingactivities,interactive shows and games for the whole family.
Running until January 27, the program is a celebration of all things summer – right from creating your own bespoke bubble wand to dancing the day away at Scienceworks’ first-ever foam party.
Sessions include a Bubblemania show where viewers can discover the wonders of the soapy spheres; a mesmerising glow show; as well as numerous planetarium screenings.
Visitorscanalsodiveintothemarvelofairat Scienceworks’ Air Playground exhibition, then
letthefuncontinuewithbubbles,balloons,and beach balls at their newly refurbished arena.
In addition to the installations, kids can enjoy an hour-long frothy extravaganza every Friday at the museum as part of a weekly foam party.
Summersphere also includes a new permanent moon display in the Planetarium foyer.
Created by UK artist Luke Jerram, this breathtakingpieceuseshigh-resolutionimages from NASA’s Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter.
The data, stitched together by the Astrogeology Science Centre in the USA, offers visitors a unique opportunity to marvel at the Moon’s surface up close.
This year’s rate increases will be capped at the forecast Consumer Price Index for 2025-26 of 3 per cent, up from 2.75 per cent in 2024. The decision was announced by Local Government Minister Nick Staikos on December 23. The rate cap limits the amount all Victorian councils can increase their total revenue from general rates and municipal charges. Rates are set by each local council to fund services and facilities like local parks, libraries, community centres, roads and footpaths, kindergartens and sporting facilities.
Councils may apply to the Essential Services Commission for a higher rate cap if they can demonstrate a critical need for spending on services or projects that would require a rate rise above the capped amount.
West Gate Tunnel Project
Summer works for the project have kicked off. Until March 8, major surfacing works will take place on the West Gate Freeway between Millers Road and the West Gate Bridge. The West Gate Freeway will also be reduced from four to three lanes until February 17 in the outbound direction, and until March 8 in the citybound direction. Motorists should allow up to 30 mins extra travel time.
FOR BREAKING NEWS, VISIT Web: starweekly.com.au
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Viking Vela joins fleet
Viking have proudly announced it has taken delivery of the company’s newest ocean ship, theVikingVela.
Classified as a small ship, as are all Viking ocean ships, the Viking Vela has 499 stateroomsthatcanhost998guests.
VikingChairmanandCEOTorsteinHagen said the Viking Vela joins the company’s growing fleet of award-winning ocean ships and will spend her inaugural season sailing itineraries in the Mediterranean and in NorthernEurope.
“We are proud to welcome the newest sister ship to our award-winning ocean fleet,” he said.
“Together with our partner Fincantieri, we have built the world’s most elegant small oceanships.”
“With the arrival of our newest vessel, we look forward to introducing even more curious travellers to the Viking way of |exploration.”
He said Viking was working on a project for a partial hybrid propulsion system for future ocean ships based on liquid hydrogen and fuel cells, which could allow the company to operate at zero-emission in the Norwegian Fjords and other sensitive environments.
While the Viking Vela has a traditional propulsion platform, she is considered hydrogen-ready and can be retrofitted in the future.
The delivery ceremony took place when the shipwaspresentedatFincantieri’sshipyardin Ancona,Italy.
The naming of the Viking Vela also served as a celebration of Viking’s longtime partnership with Fincantieri, which is one of the world’s largest shipbuilding groups and is basedinTrieste.
With its rich maritime history, Trieste is considered the endpoint to the maritime Silk Road and is now Italy’s most important commercialport.
“WithFincantieriasourpartner,webelieve we have built the world’s most elegant fleet of smalloceanships,”
“We thank Ivana Elice for being the godmother of the Viking Vela. In her role at Fincantieri, she has cared for our ocean ships duringtheirconstructionjustasagodmother would, and we are very appreciative of her contributions as a member of the extended Vikingfamily.”
The Viking Vela is the newest ship in Viking’s award-winning ocean fleet of sister ships. Classified as a small ship, as are all Vikingoceanships,theVikingVelahasagross
tonnage of 54,300 tons, with 499 staterooms that can host 998 guests; the ships feature all veranda staterooms, elegant Scandinavian design,light-filledpublicspacesandabundant alfrescodiningoptions.
The Viking Vela will spend her inaugural season sailing itineraries during the “quiet season” in the Mediterranean before continuingtoNorthernEurope.
The delivery of the Viking Vela follows a stringofrecentaccoladesforthecompany.
Viking was rated number one Oceans,
Rivers and Expeditions by Conde Nast Traveler in the 2024 Readers’ Choice Awards forthesecondconsecutiveyear.
This achievement marked the first time a travel company won these three categories in back-to-backyears.
Viking was also named Best Luxury Line, Best Line for Couples and Best Line in the MediterraneaninUS.
News and World Report’s 2025 Best Cruise Lines ranking for the fourth consecutive year. Viking’s ocean ships have been rated
and “Recommended” as part of the Forbes Travel Guide 2024 Star Awards, an annual independent evaluation for luxury travel brands.
Additionally, Viking received seven awards at the 2023 Cruise Critic Editors’ Picks Awards — more than any other line — across the luxury, river and expedition categories.
For further information and cruise informationpleasevisitwebsiteviking.comor phoneReservations(AU)138747.
Viking proudly accepted their newest Ocean Cruise Ship, Viking Vela with 499 staterooms that can host 998 guests.
Norwegian singer Sissel Kyrkjebø, one of the world’s leading crossover sopranos and godmother of the Viking Jupiter, and acclaimed Italian opera singer Alessandro Safina, perform at the naming ceremony of the Viking Vela.
Karine Hagen, Viking Executive Vice President of Product, Torstein Hagen CEO of Viking with Ivana Elice, godmother of the Viking Vela and Ann Ziff, godmother of the Viking Saturn.
LEE MCCARTHY
The exceptional Viking Orion
I was recently extended an invitation to take a ships tour of the stunning Viking Orion docked at Pinkenba Port during an overnight stop in Brisbane.
The Viking Orion was on day 79 of a one-way cruise from Vancouver to Sydney and we were lucky enough to embark during its stopover.
With less than a thousand guests the Orion appeals to the over sixty age group who enjoy retrospective camaraderie and a comfortable dynamic with like-minded guests.
The tour was warm, welcoming, and professional and the ship charming and impossibly perfect.
There’s a whisper across the ship of understated elegance with an abundance of class.
Before you even board the Viking Orion, the passengers you pass disembarking for a day onshore are generous with their smiles and greetings, giving you a sense of what is to come.
From the first step into the heart of the atrium, standing beside the gleaming black grand piano and looking upwards to the ascending staircase you notice the lush seating, the wealth of tasteful art works, unique flooring, and a mood of comfort.
The atrium bar boasts soft blue and grey floral emblems on each bar stool, a nod to Norway’s traditional style of decorative floral painting that originated in the rural valleys of Norway.
When we arrive, the bar is quiet with guests reading or relaxing, but you can imagine the
laughter and conversation along with the clink of glasses and muted music from the lacquered ebony piano as the guests return to the ship for a night’s beverage and the chance to swap stories and enjoy others company.
The Scandinavian themed veranda staterooms with ocean views continue the show off the ship’s minimalism and use of space with crispy linen, monogrammed throws, and classic decor.
The full-size bathroom with heated floors, fluffy quality towels and sufficient wardrobe blended into the panelling inside the stylish main bedroom add to the clever design.
Another highlight harking back to its origins is the Nordic Spa which has been designed based on the Scandinavian wellness principles of hot and cold. Set next to the fitness centre, the spa features everything you would now expect from Viking with heated beds, sauna, multi jet spas and comfortable lounging chairs along with the world’s first Snow Grotto at sea.
There are eight dining options with exciting menusandequallyexcitingbarareasincluding the dimly lit and luxurious Speakeasy 1940’s cocktailbarwhichtransportsyoutoanywhere in the world in your imagination.
Manfredi’s and the fine dining Chef’s Table menu change every three days and there is the option to enjoy a casual meal and dessert from the World Cafe or Mamsen’s.
Wine and beer with lunch and dinner is included in the cruise fare for all guests. The beverage package is optional and allows for premium wine, beer and spirit selections.
I was buoyed to see the selection of quality books in the library and in sitting areas where writing your memoir or next best seller would be appropriate.
The library is curated by Heywood Hill of Notting Hill in London. The selections are different on every ship as the libraries are destination focused.
The pools are surrounded by decadent lounges, with glorious when sailing and a retractable roof to accommodate guests’ enjoyment of the space if the weather is less forgiving.
Naturally, waiters are on hand to deliver cocktails and coffees to grateful recipients.
There are no gimmicks, no dress ups with smart casual the dining dress code relieving guests of the need to conform or compete.
There are too many special features and purposefuldesigntouchestomentionhowever it is fair to say the Founder and Chairman of Viking, Torstein Hagen has had a hand in every aspect of the Viking Cruise success. It is resplendent example of craftsmanship and attention to detail with guests’ comfort at the forefront of every inch of the ship. Ten out of ten from me.
For further information please visit www.viking.com or for reservations call (AU) 138 747.
Roomy and well designed, the staterooms and suites are designed for maximum comfort including a bathroom with heated floors and perfect sea views from the balcony.
The luxurious theatre on deck two beside both cinema’s and bar adds to the easy decadence of your Viking cruise.
Few things are as relaxing as a coffee, cocktail or a dip here at the sparkling clean Infinity Pool overlooking the ocean on Viking Orion.
The stunning Viking Orion Atrium boasts a mix of attention to detail, simple lines and luxurious comfort.
LEE MCCARTHY
"Exploration is really the essence of the human spirit."
FRANK B.
EXPL RER
Sailing to all seven continents, the whole world awaits
Discovering another culture is a wondrous awakening. Sail with us to extraordinary shores where you can immerse yourself in new destinations and unique experiences.
Whether by river or ocean, we have crafted unforgettable journeys across all seven continents so you can explore more of the world.
Enjoy free flight offers with selected river, ocean or expedition voyages, valued up to AU$2,400 per person. Plus AU$500 shipboard credit with any ocean and expedition booking. Available for a limited time only, offers end 31 March 2025.
in Katherine, Alice Springs and Coober Pedy including Nitmiluk Gorge Cruise
ï Station to hotel transfers included in Darwin and Adelaide
Hotel Stays
ï 3 night four-star stay in Darwin at the Vibe Hotel Darwin Waterfront
ï 3 night four-star stay in Adelaide at the Vibe Hotel Adelaide
ï All hotel stays include breakfast
Tours
ï Charles Darwin Harbour Dinner Cruise
ï Barossa and Hahndorf highlights tour
All Flights and Taxes
Your holiday includes
All-Inclusive Rail Journey
ï 3 night all-inclusive rail journey on board the Indian Pacific from Sydney to Perth with all meals, fine wines, and beverages
ï Off Train Experience and short stop in Broken Hill, Adelaide, Cook and Rawlinna
Hotel Stay
ï 5 night four-star stay in Perth at the Crowne Plaza Perth, an IHG Hotel with breakfast
Tours
ï Discover Rottnest Island tour including ferry transfer and Swan River Cruise
ï Half Day Perth & Fremantle Tour
ï 48 hour Hop-On-Hop-Off Bus Pass
All Flights, Taxes and Transfers+
Grieving refugee’s visa plea
April 30
Selvaranjini Manokaran’s home in St Albans is filled with visitors, but the house remains quiet.
The only noise you can hear is Selvaranjini calling out for her mum. All she is met with are sorrowful eyes and the warm hand of her husband as he consoles her.
Selvaranjini received the news that her mother died in Tamil Eelam on April 22.
And while her first instinct is to book a flight there and say her final goodbye to her mother, Selvaranjini has no choice but to stay in Australia.
Selvaranjini has been in Australia since 2013, yet she is one of more than 10,000 refugees who have been denied a permanent visa.
She and her family received a bridging visa E (BVE) in 2019, that allows them to temporarily stay in Australia while they wait for an immigration decision to be made.
One of the many conditions of the BVE includes that the visa holder cannot leave the country. If they leave Australia, their visa will end immediately.
Now, after 11 years of being separated from her mother, Selvaranjini is grappling with the reality that she will never see her mother again.
A wooden picture frame with a photo of Selvaranjini’s mother sits in the living room of her St Albans home.
Above it, the television is streaming a video callfromarelativeinTamilEelamasheshows Selvaranjini her mother’s body.
It is the closest she can get to saying goodbye.
As she takes in the image of her mother’s resting body, she calls out for her once again. But all she hears are the echoes of her own cries as they reverberate around the room.
Selvaranjini’s son, Thishoban, sits on a plastic chair across from his mum. He attempts to translate for her but as she struggles to speak, he instead steps in and speaks on her behalf.
ThishobansayshisfamilycametoAustralia as refugees, hopeful that a better life awaited them.
“My parents told me they left due to war and troubles living back home. Even when we were at home [Tamil Eelam] we were living in
a refugee camp, so we had no country to call home,” he said.
In 2023, Selvaranjini joined 21 other refugee women who walked from Melbourne to Canberra in a fight for security.
The refugee women set out from the Immigration Minister Andrew Giles’ office and trekked 640 kilometres calling for permanent protection visas for 10,000 ‘victims’ of the fast-track assessment process.
These refugees and asylum seekers were left out of the February, 2023, announcement from the federal government that allowed for 19,000 refugees who arrived over a similar period to apply for permanent residency.
At the time, Mr Giles said it made “no sense” to keep people who were working and paying taxes in limbo.
This year, the federal government moved to abolish the “fast-track“ process created by the formercoalitiongovernment,witheffectfrom July 1, 2024.
But Thishoban says his family and many others under that system are still yet to receive a decision on their claims.
Thishoban says the story of his mother being unable to leave the country and say
goodbyetoalovedoneisanexperienceshared by many other refugees.
“My dad lost both his parents in about a year difference after coming to Australia,” he said.
“It feels like it’s a repeat of the same cycle … we still have no results, just trauma and pain.”
Selvaranjini is one of eight children, and the only member of her family living in Australia. She has lost four of her siblings and now both her parents.
Thishoban says once again his family, and thousands of other refugees, are calling on the federal government to provide them with a permanent stay in Australia.
“Thankfully [with] our visa we can work, which is what pays our bills and puts food on our plates,” he said.
“The only thing we want is a permanent residency. I came here when I was seven years old so I don’t see any other home other than Australia. I’ve lived all my life here, I grew up here, my childhood, my teenage years, everything.
“Every day we’re living with fear, we don’ tknow what tomorrow is going to be like.”
Mr Giles was contacted for comment.
Selvaranjini Manokaran holds up a picture of her late mother. (Damjan Janevski) 402809_02
Celebrate Australia Day with these iconic Aussie foods
Australia Day is a celebration of culture, community, and great food, with family and friendsgatheringforbarbecues,beachpicnics, and festive meals. When planning a feast to honour this day, it’s all about embracing classic Australian flavors, fresh ingredients, and hearty dishes that cater to all tastes. Here are some of the best dishes to serve on Australia Day:
1. Sausages
Barbecued sausages, fondly known as “snags,” areanabsolutemustforAustraliaDay.Simple, affordable, and crowd-pleasing, snags are grilled to perfection and typically served in soft white bread with caramelised onions and sauces like tomato ketchup, barbecue sauce, or mustard. For variety, include beef, pork, and chicken sausages, as well as gourmet options like lamb and rosemary or spicy chorizo.
2. Lamb Chops
Lamb is an iconic part of Australian cuisine, and lamb chops are a favourite for barbecues. Seasoned simply with salt, pepper, garlic, and rosemary,thelambchopsaregrilledoverhigh heat to achieve a smoky, charred exterior and juicy interior. Lamb pairs beautifully with mint sauce, grilled veggies, or a fresh green salad.
3. Prawns on the Barbie
Grilled prawns are a quintessential Australian treat, especially during summer. Fresh prawns are marinated in garlic, lemon juice, and olive oil, then skewered and grilled until lightly charred. These can be served as a starter or a main dish alongside dipping sauces like aioli or a spicy chili and lime sauce. Prawns add a touch of seafood luxury to the menu and perfectly complement the warm, outdoor setting of Australia Day celebrations.
4. Kangaroo Steaks
For an authentic Australian experience, kangaroo steaks are a unique and healthy
choice.Kangaroomeatislean,highinprotein, and has a slightly gamey flavour. Marinate the steaksinoliveoil,garlic,andnativeAustralian spices like wattleseed or bush pepper before grilling them quickly over high heat. Serve with roasted potatoes, fresh greens, or a beetroot salad to enhance the flavor.
5. Damper Bread
DamperisatraditionalAustraliansodabread,
originally baked in the coals of a campfire. It’s simple to make using flour, water, and salt, andcanbebakedintheovenoronabarbecue.
Modern variations include adding cheese, herbs, or bacon. Serve it warm with butter, honey, or golden syrup for a rustic side dish that pays homage to Australia’s bush heritage.
6. Meat Pies and Sausage Rolls
No Australia Day spread is complete without
meat pies and sausage rolls. These savory pastries are a national favourite, featuring flaky pastry filled with seasoned minced meat or sausage. They are perfect for parties as they can be served hot or cold and easily eaten with one hand while mingling. Pair them with tomato sauce for the ultimate Australian flavour.
7. Pavlova
For dessert, pavlova reigns supreme. This light, airy meringue-based treat is crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, topped with whipped cream and fresh fruits like strawberries, kiwi, and passionfruit. Its bright and fresh flavors make it the perfect ending to a summer barbecue.
8. Lamingtons
AnothericonicAustraliandessert,lamingtons aresquaresofspongecakedippedinchocolate and coated with desiccated coconut. They’re simple, nostalgic, and always a crowd-pleaser. For a twist, some versions are filled with raspberry jam or cream.
9. Fresh Salads
To balance out the hearty grilled meats, include refreshing salads like an Aussie-style coleslaw, beetroot and feta salad, or a classic potato salad. Adding mangoes, avocados, and macadamia nuts gives salads a local touch.
10. An Esky Full of Drinks
Finally, no Australia Day celebration is complete without a well-stocked esky. Serve icy-cold beers, sparkling water, and fruit punches to keep everyone refreshed. These dishes reflect Australia’s love for fresh, simple, and flavourful food, making them perfect for celebrating this special day. Whether it’s snags on the barbecue, a pavlova dessert, or kangaroo steaks for something unique,theseoptionswillmakeyourAustralia Day feast a memorable one.
COMMUNITY CALENDAR
WANT YOUR EVENT LISTED? Community Calendar is made available free of charge to not-for-profit organisations to keep the public informed of special events and activities. Send item details to Star Weekly Community Calendar, Corner Thomsons Road and Keilor Park Drive, Keilor Park, 3042, or email to westeditorial@starweekly.com.au by 9am Wednesday the week prior to publication
National seniors meeting
On the first Wednesday of every month at 1.30pm, the metro west branch of national seniors meets at The Club in Caroline Springs, with meals available to purchase. They also hold lunches on different Fridays each month, as well as activities such as theatre visits, bus trips and more.
0425 713 004, or lesley1.collins@outlook.com
Learn to Relax Group
IPC Health’s Living Well team is running a free Learn to Relax Group at IPC Health Deer Park, 106 Station Road, every Tuesday at 11am. This group is for people over 18 years who are interested in learning how to relax and finding ways to effectively manage their stress. Registration is required to attend this group.
livingwell@ipchealth.com.au, or 1300 472 432
Women’s only conversation English Duke Street Community House is inviting locals to make friends, learn new skills and practice English in this fun and free women’s social group. Tuesdays during school terms, 9.30am-noon, at Duke Street Community House, 27 Duke Street, Sunshine.
9311 9973, or dukest@dsch.org.au
Crafternoons
Duke Street Community House is inviting locals to a free adult social opportunity to get together and be creative. Learn a new craft or bring along your own craft projects. Tuesdays during school terms, 12.30-2.30pm, at the Duke Street Community House, 27 Duke Street, Sunshine.
9311 9973, or dukest@dsch.org.au
Musicians Wanted Westgate Concert Band is seeking new members. Do you play Woodwind, Brass or Percussion and are looking for a welcoming place to play enjoyable and challenging music?
Rehearsals held Saturday mornings during school terms, 9am to noon, at Braybrook College.
westgateconcertband@gmail.com
Girl Guides
Brimbank District Girl Guides is inviting locals to come and try guides before committing to join. Girls aged 5-18 and adults are invited to enjoy the fun and friendship of guiding.
Carolyn, 0418 536 084
Sunshine Repair Cafe
Do you enjoy fixing things or have skills in mending clothing and textiles? Kororoit Neighbourhood House is looking for volunteer repairers for the newly launched Repair Cafe in Brimbank. Events happen once a month and are an opportunity to meet others in the community and share your skills while helping fix broken household items.
sunshinerepaircafe@kcnh.org.au, or 0413 434 082
Al-Anon Family Groups
Al-Anon Family Groups is offering help and hope to anyone living in an unhappy home because a loved one drinks too much. There are no contracts to sign, just a voluntary donation to cover room rental. Confidentiality is protected. Confidential meetings held at the Sydenham Neighbourhood Centre (rear of library) every Wednesday, from 1-2:30pm. New members welcome. No appointment necessary.
Kealba Car Meet
A typical first Sunday of each month in Kealba is a coffee and a car meet. The event has a strict no hooning policy, with car lovers of all ages encouraged to come down and enjoy the spectacle. Held in the car park of the Kealba Milkbar Convenience and Cafe, 29 Driscolls Road, from noon to 2pm.
Card games
Love playing the card game 500? Card games are played every Monday, from 7-10pm, at the Sunshine RSL offices, 99 Dickson Street, Sunshine.
Leisa, 0425 768 808
Keilor Day View Club
The Keilor Day View Club meets at 11am on the first Thursday of each month at Green Gully Soccer Club, Green Gully Reserve, Club House Place, Keilor Downs. The club is inviting locals to come along and enjoy a meal and fun with a friendly group of ladies.
Robyn, 0425 387 880
Palliative volunteers needed
Mercy Palliative Care is looking for volunteers to visit palliative care patients in their homes to offer social support.
9313 5700 or MPCVolunteerCoordinators@mercy.com.
au
Deer Park Lions Club
Deer Park Lions Club is looking for new members. It holds dinner meetings on the first Wednesday of every month at the Deer Park Senior Citizens Club, 119
Station Road, Deer Park.
Michael, 0417 307 572
Sunshine Community Brass
Sunshine Community Brass is looking for trumpet and percussion players to join its vibrant band of musicians. With more than 90 years of history, the band rehearses at 45 Furlong Road, North Sunshine, on Tuesdays, from 7.30pm.
Andrew, 0419 444 620
St Albans senior citizens
St Albans Senior Citizens group meet at the centre at the corner of Alfrieda and William streets, St Albans, on Monday, Wednesday and Friday, from 9am-2pm.
Annual membership: $10. Cost: $1 entry on attendance day.
Roma, 0435 991 064
Caroline Springs Rotary
The Rotary Club of Caroline Springs is inviting new guests to join its meetings in person or via Zoom. Meetings are held every Wednesday at the Western Emergency Relief Network in Ravenhall, from 7pm.
rotarycarolinesprings@gmail.com
Melton Bridge Club
The Melton Bridge Club has weekly social bridge sessions at the Melton Library on Fridays from 10am-noon. Come along to play an exciting, social card game and have loads of fun. Bridge offers the suspense of poker, the cerebral qualities of chess and the excitement of athletic sports, all in a relaxed and social setting.
0407 894 817
Melton South Knit & Natter
All are welcome to join this social crafting group, running at the Melton South Community Centre each Monday from 10am-noon. Bring along any knitting or crochet projects and work on them while sharing tips, learning skills and catching up over a cuppa.
9747 8576
U3A Melton
U3A Melton offers among its activities a book group, Australian history and a gentle exercise class for those 55 and older who are retired or semi-retired who wish to stay mentally and physically active.
0419 563 016
Melton Combined Probus Club
The Melton Probus Club meets on the first Tuesday of each month at the Melton Dart Club, 63a Reserve Road, from 9.45am.
9746 0271
Cancer support group
MelMarsh Prostate Cancer Support Group is for prostate cancer patients and their carers and meets on the first Thursday of the month, from 12.30-2pm, at Melton South Community Centre. Attendees are encouraged to share their journeys through what could be a very traumatic time of their lives. Explanations of medical terminology used in the treatment of this cancer are given in this group.
Grenville, 0412 741 865
Rosemary,
Star Weekly journalist Oscar Parry snapped this picture of the infamout Riddells Creek geese outside the local primary school late last month. The geese are well-known around town - although no one appears to know how they came to call Riddells Creek home.
Best news photos from 2024
Star Weekly photographer Damjan Janevski has compiled his favourite photographs from 2024.
Left: Melton South Primary School students took part in a colour run in May. (408205_01) Right: Shweta Pandya prepares for the Holi Colour Festival. (394134_01)
Science teacher Sharelle Brownbill received a $10,000 grant to further her STEM studies.
De’Arne Marshall has been at 979 radio for 25 years and puts together a rock’n’roll show.
Circus Latino ringmaster Allanah Le Du, hand balancer Tiffany Lee and Jojo th Clown. (416384_01)
Guy Walter and Michelle Richards ahead of the Lancefield Witches Fair in June. (413693_01)
Emmanuel College students Jarryd, Johnny, Seth, Chidi, Ella, Ninarika
Cathy James’ dog Heidi was voted people’s choice dog of the year in February. (388318_01)
Broadmeadows auctioneer Martin Evans. (384484_01)
St Peter’s Catholic Primary School wellbeing dog, Tilly celebrated her 1st birthday in July. (421792_01)
Comedian James Liotta. (402571_01)
Shaun the Dinosaurs Doctor and Laith, 8, with ‘Toby the T-Rex’. (383278_01)
SPORTS QUIZ
1. Which tennis player was the highest-paid female athlete of 2024?
2. Clay targets used in shooting are known by what avian term?
3. As well as reaching No.1 in the Women’s World Golf Rankings, Nelly Korda has won how many LPGA Tours?
4. Which sport is also
5. How many seasons did Michael Jordan play in the NBA for?
6. Who was named Time’s Athlete of the Year for 2024?
7. And which team does that athlete play for?
8. Which NBA player was nicknamed ‘The Round Mound of Rebound’?
In which sport would you perform a ‘ballooning
2028 Summer Olympics host Los Angeles last held the Games in which year?
What position did Oscar Piastri finish in the 2024 Formula One World Drivers’ Championship?
And how many Grands Prix did the young Australian driver win during the season?
Which 21-year-old Australian women’s cricketer scored an ODI century in just her second international match?
14. Morocco, Spain and Portugal will jointly host which major sporting event in 2030?
15. Baseballer Juan Soto’s record contract worth $A1.2 billion ($US765 million) with the New York Mets runs for how many years?
16. Who is the new coach of the West Coast Eagles for the 2025 season?
17. Which Australian men’s cricketer was named Player of the Match in the Second Test against India after smashing 140?
18. Who founded the Sherrin company?
19. Tennis star Alex de Minaur possesses dual citizenship of both Australia and which other country?
20. Which Australian former golfer will shortly be replaced as CEO of the LIV Golf Tour?
21. What number will Bailey Smith wear for Geelong during the 2025 AFL season?
Council Meeting Schedule
22. Ezra Mam plays for which NRL team?
23. In what year did the tournament known as the NBA Cup debut?
24. And which team was crowned champion of the first tournament?
25. A First Nations team named The Black Swans will represent Australia in which sport?
26. Which AFL Women’s team had the first pick of the 2024 Draft?
27. NFL quarterback Aaron Rodgers has played for which team since 2023?
28. How many glass backboards did Shaquille O’Neal break during his NBA career?
29. What three animals were the official mascots of the 2000 Sydney Olympic Games?
30. NFL quarterback Josh Allen announced his engagement in November 2024 to which actress?
platypus and echidna
Hailee Steinfeld
Nelly Korda Korda
Aaron Rodgers Aaron 1001
To solve a Sudoku puzzle, every number from 1 to 9 must appear in: each of the nine vertical columns, each of the nine horizontal rows and each of the nine 3 x 3 boxes. Remember, no number can occur more than once in any row, column or box.
Using the nine letters in the grid, how many words of four letters or more can you list? The centre letter must be included and each letter may only be used once. No colloquial or foreign words. No capitalised nouns, apostrophes or plural
1 What is the official language of Peru?
2 What liqueur is the primary ingredient in a grasshopper cocktail?
3 Beginning with ‘b’, what is another name for the tree known as sour gourd?
4 Stephanie Gilmore is a famous Australian: a) tennis player, b) surfer or c) footballer?
5 The ancient works The Iliad and TheOdyssey are attributed to which Greek poet?
6 What is epidemiology the study of?
7 Who was the Roman goddess of love, beauty, sex and fertility?
8 What does HIV stand for?
9 Name the man who Atticus Finch defends in Harper Lee’s classic novel To Kill a Mockingbird
10 Singer Sam Smith (pictured) wrote and performed the theme song for which James Bond film?
Triton tops up impressive new tech
By Derek Ogden, Marque Motoring
You have to hand it to Mitsubishi: they are not backward at going forward.
Take the latest Triton, for example, which had hardly hit the road Down Under in February this year before a technical upgrade in July and the addition of new payload options below 1000kg one month later.
Both, says Mitsubishi, were the result of real-world feedback across several key stakeholders, such as dealers, the media and all-new Triton customers. Of the original were the popular Pick-Up body style in Double Cab and Club Cab body; followed by enhancements totheDriverMonitoringSystemandfinallythe addition of Cab-Chassis GLS and GSR grades.
All are powered by a new bi-turbo diesel engine putting out 150kW and 470Nm, mated with a six-speed automatic transmission. The range kicks off with Triton GLX front-wheel drive Double Cab Pick-Up at $43,690, plus on road costs and checks out with the GSR Double Cab Pick-Up at $63,840. On test was the mid-range GLS at $59,090.
The Triton range is covered by Mitsubishi’s 10-year/200,000km manufacturer’s warranty provided that they are serviced exclusively at Mitsubishi dealerships. If not then it reverts to five years and 100,000 kilometres.
There’s 10 years of capped price servicing and up to four years complimentary roadside assistance.
Styling
From bottom to top the new Triton has taken on new design features, with the GLS riding on new 18-inch alloy wheels. The unique Mitsubishi embossed black grille is flanked by LED headlamps, side turn lamps, front fog lamps, plus front and rear combi lamps.
The door mirrors are heated and electrically adjustable. The tray bed gets a liner and six anchorage points. Load tub is 1520mm long, 1470mmwideand475mmdeep.With1085mm between the rear wheel housings, it will take a 1200mm x 800mm Euro pallet but not a standard 1165mm-square Aussie pallet.
Interior
TheallnewGLScabhasalevelofsophistication highlighted by soft padded surfaces with silver stitching, while the ute’s roots are hinted at by practical vinyl mats. There is a $1500 option, which ups the ambience with leather trim with silver stitching, driver’s seat power adjustment and heated front seats.
The Double Cab comes up with driver’s seat power lumbar support, seat back pocket with phone and tablet storage, while the second-row bench seat includes movable centre armrest with cup holders.
Up front storage includes a floor console box with lid, two cup holders, two bottle holders, sunglasses holder and driver’s side sun visor ticket holder.
Infotainment
There’s 7-inch part-digital-analogue display ahead of the driver and 9-inch dash-mounted touchscreen for the premium six-speaker multimedia system, including Android Auto, wireless Apple CarPlay and two USB ports. Sat nav is factory fitted.
There’sanewsteeringwheelwithdecent-size buttons to select tracks or radio stations, while air-con controls are off screen and easier and safer to use while driving.
Engines/transmissions
Key upgrade here is a newly developed 2.4 litre diesel engine with two turbochargers –one for quick response at low revs, the other larger turbo adding oomph at the top end – delivering 150kW at 3500rpm and peak torque of 470Nm between just 1500rpm and 2750rpm.
Mated with a six-speed automatic transmission and 4×4 drivetrain, plus stop/start engine system combined fuel
consumption and CO2 emissions for the GLS are a claimed 7.7 litres per 100 kilometres and 203g/km, respectively. The entry-level GLX Double Cab comes in front-wheel drive.
Safety
With a swag of airbags and advanced safety systems, the new Triton was the first Dual Cab ute to earn a five-star ANCAP safety rating.
Passive safety is in the hands of drive and passenger front airbags, centre airbag, driver and front passenger side airbags, driver’s knee airbag and curtain airbags.
Active safety includes adaptive cruise control, a suite of lane support, rear view camera and parking sensor, traffic sign recognition and driver monitoring. Braking and vehicle stability are covered by active stability control, traction control, brake assist and trailer stability assist.
Driving
Step up, literally to the Triton: it’s a bit of a climb, grab handles do the trick, as do oversized versions for the back seats. Theatre-style seating there helps to see over front occupants, improving visibility ahead.
Starting up the Mitsubishi Triton GLS comes at the press of an obscure starter button down near the wireless charger, releasing a distinctive, now dated, diesel rattle until the motor warms up.
The Triton GLS is the most affordable variant to pick up Mitsubishi’s Super Select 4WD II system that allows for four-wheel drive on sealed surfaces. Having full-time four-wheel drive adds security on slippery surfaces. The ute can be left in two-wheel drive to minimise fuel use, claimed by the maker to be 7.7 litres per 100 kilometres on the combined urban/highway cycle. Average on test was 10 litres per 100 kilometres; best was 6.3 on a motorway run.
Fuel isn’t the only running cost with the new Triton, however, with the addition of a 17-litre AdBlue tank fitted to reduce nitrous oxide emissions. And so, to the engine stop/ start system that, according to the maker, does its bit with fuel savings – a jumpy operation
6/10
7/10
7/10
that borders on the annoying. It lost me.
Finally, a trap for the unwary. The upgraded drivermonitoringsystemhascomeinforsome complaints of its being too intrusive. I agree.
The new Triton has autonomous emergency braking, forward and reverse; there’s the rub. The test GLS was parked overnight on a driveway incline with its nose down when a heavy downpour caused the rain to puddle at the front of the tub, directly behind the cabin.
The unsuspecting driver (me), on reversing the ute up to the street, caused the
to rush to the rear, cascading under the tailgate onto the road. The vehicle was stopped in its tracks, brake sensors having picked up the waterfall as a solid external structure. However, shocked cabin occupants gave the benefit of the doubt to this surprisingly efficient active safety system.
Summary
Not for want of trying, the Triton continues to improve in many facets but is it enough to leave its mark on a crowded segment?
rainwater
From bottom to top the new Triton has taken on new design features. (Pictures: Supplied)
The best sport shots from 2024
American import Joe Jaco during a Werribee Giants game in November. 443946_18
Senad Jahic and William Sheffield. 448424_16
Werribee’s Nathan Cooper during the VFL grand final. 432956_56
Teofilo Seigafo. 430082_09
Sahara Ball and Georgia Bowkett. 431489_27
Calder United’s Larissa Walsh in March.
Josh Byrne in action for Sunshine Baseball Club in October. 436968_05
Keilor’s Nathan Colenso during the EDFL remier division grand final. 432959_18
Wyndham’s Adetomi Ayilara. 403557_28
Western United’s Raquel Deralas. 400164_28
Joshua Grabham and Chris Stewart. 414039_26
Adrienne Cameron on court for the Sunbury Jets in April. 403555_08
StarWeeklyphotographer Ljubica Vrankovic has selected her favourite sport photographs from 2024.
Blues go back-to-back in EDFL
September 24
Keilor has done it again to claim back-to-back premierships in the Essendon District Football League premier division.
The best side all season, the heat was turned on the Blues when they were convincingly beaten by Pascoe Vale in the semi finals.
Two weeks later there would be no repeat of that result in the rematch in the grand final.
Things were tight early with the Panthers up for the fight and leading by one point at the first break.
From there the Blues took control of the match and were able to blow out the margin on the way to a 17.12 (114)-8.13 (61) win.
For Blues coach Mick McGuane it was a pretty special moment.
“They’re all different,” he said. “You go into a game with different preps, different personnel.
“Beaten by 34 points 14 days ago. A good win last week and a short preparation this week.
“We made six changes from two weeks ago, what does it look like? We had full belief in what we had, but we didn’t have them two weeks ago and they were going to make a point of difference and that was proven.“
Having brought in five players for the preliminary final, the Blues brought back defender Riley Ham for his first game since hurting his shoulder against Pascoe Vale in round 13.
McGuane said they had felt a bit clunky and disjointed leading into the grand final with play availability having a part in that.
They used 39 players in the senior side for the season.
“We believe our best is probably as good as anyone in the comp and you’re on top of the ladder for a reason,” he said.
“You sort of want to be hitting the ground running at the right time of the year. We felt we had a strong base behind us, we wanted to time our run and energy.
“I thought our energy on the back of last week’s second half was the catalyst behind starting well.”
McGuane said on Saturday it took them about 15 minutes to get into the game after being a bit sloppy early which resulted in three Panthers goals.
Three Nathan Colenso goals kept the Blues in it and they got on top after that.
“I thought after that our spread on the ground, our ball use, inside 50 entries against the breeze was much better than what it was with it,” McGuane said. “We knew we had
to probably concede terrority at times, so our defence was going to be asked a lot to do and having Ham back in that team to sure up [Reuben] William and [James] Bailey and [Brad] Xavier play higher knowing full well [Jay] White was going to go to [Ahmed] Saad.
“The work of Ham, Xavier and White on Saad to not give them shots on goal… We did a lot right.”
At the other end of the ground, Colenso and Jovan Petric kicked nine goals between them. The pair were among the inclusions for the preliminary final.
McGuane said having them back, alongside Cody Brand, made a huge difference in providing them with targets.
Colenso was awarded the Reg Rose Medal as the best player on ground for his five goals.
Nick O’Kearney was outstanding with three goals, while his midfield partner in Corey Ellis was also among the best.
For McGuane, it was his fifth premiership as coach of the Blues.
Kane Barbuto and Mason Thomas played in premiership number four, while several players
are now three times premiership players.
“They understand how you play,” McGuane said. “They understand what is needed and required at the back half of the year.
“This time of year is about trust and understanding why to get it done, sometimes you have to be resilient.”
At the other end of the scale is 17-year-old Thomas McGuane.
He dreamed of playing in a senior premiership as a teenager when he saw Curtis Taylor do it in 2016, it became a reality on Saturday.
Mick was full of emotions having coached his son to a senior premiership, having already done it at junior level.
“To see a kid evolve and develop and now he gets the opportunity to taste premiership success and then in seven days time, he gets a chance to play on the MCG before a grand final.
“This is an example of what you do when you work hard in silence. I couldn’t be prouder of him as a coach today and as a father.”
Burns guides Lions to premiership glory, again
September 10
When Steve Burns returned to Taylors Lakes, he wanted to get the club back to where it once was in the Essendon District Football League.
He did exactly that on Saturday afternoon as the side won its second senior premiership, beating Westmeadows.
The club’s only senior premiership coach, Burns came back to the club midway through the 2022 season.
After being relegated at the end of 2021, the club was struggling back in division 2.
“I don’t think it was great,” Burns said of the club in 2022. “They weren’t winning games and had no one coming to the club.
“The club was closed at 6pm on a Saturday night, which is rubbish.
“The juniors weren’t going great, so to come back and be able to turn it all around just through culture standards and running of a place like a football club should run
“It’s credit to these players, the seconds guys especially, for the work they do and coming to training and making it be 40-45 players at training every night.
“Very much a team effort from everyone.”
The Lions entered this season as favourites. They were knocked out of finals in straight
sets last year, but added a couple more pieces of the puzzle to get that premiership glory.
Burns said they learned from those finals losses last year and they used them in both of their finals wins.
On Saturday at Windy Hill, it was Westmeadows that stood between the Lions and premiership glory.
The Tigers were full of momentum after two come from behind wins to make the grand final.
The conditions also suited the way they like to play.
At quarter time it was game on with the Tigers leading by two points. In their two finals wins, they had struggled early.
It was then a real arm wrestle for most of the second quarter.
Raafat Rachrache then kicked three goals in 90 seconds to break the game open. It would eventually be the difference in the game.
Rachrache entered the grand final week under an injury cloud after hurting his hamstring in the semi final.
Burns said he was ready to go.
“He trained the house down,” Burns said.
“We put him through an unbelievable fitness test because of his age and he delivered.
“It gave us a little bit of a break which we had
all game and he ended up kicking five and it was a great game by him.”
Having held the Tigers off in the third and early in the fourth, the Lions were able to run the game out stronger to win, 8.14 (62)-5.13 (43).
Burns said it wasn’t their greatest game of football, but it doesn’t matter as long as you get the win.
“We didn’t play our best football at all, but that’s due to them and their pressure was a really high contested ball game and to come away with it in the end was just amazing and well-deserved.
“Credit to Westy, Ash [Flavel] coached a great game... They played really well and they shut us down a lot so it’s credit to them.
“But at the end of the day we were too good and we got the job done and I think we fully deserve it. I won’t hide from that fact.
“I think we were the best team all year and to win it is credit to everyone for the hard work.”
Chris Vulic was awarded the Ian Price medal as the player adjudged best on ground by the umpires.
Burns said he had a great game.
“His last quarter when it was up for grabs, he was best on in that last quarter.”
Burns said he thought Aaron Vendramini was best on ground across the whole four quarters.
Burns said it was nice to see the guys who have stuck around the club when it’s struggled for success to get some reward.
For Burns personally, he said it was pretty special to add the premiership to the 2010 one.
Taylors Lakes celebrate the win. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 430072_31
Riley Ham. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 432959_22
Above: Keilor celebrate their win. Right: Keilor during the national anthem. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 432959_09
Rising star Issie Bourne claims MVP
August 20
Issie Bourne’s impact for Keilor Thunder has been rewarded, with the rising star winning the National Basketball League 1 South most valuable player.
In her first season with the Thunder, Bourne beat out a number of WNBL players to claim the award.
She averaged 20 points and nearly 10 rebounds per game.
Bourne was stunned to have received the honour along with making the all-star 5 team.
“I was very stunned, my face showed it,” she said. “I was a bit shocked to hear but grateful at the same time.
“I’m super grateful and excited that I was a finalist to start with. I’m grateful for my teammatesandcoachestogetmetothatpoint.”
Bourne joined the Thunder after her first full WNBL season with the Adelaide Lightning.
She averaged about 30 minutes a game in her first season and was a nominee for the Betty Watson breakout player of the year award,
Bourne said coming to the Thunder she’d come into a really good environment.
“It was really fun playing with the team and [coach] Kristi [Harrower],” she said. “They were really laid back.
“Playing with a team like that and being preparedtosupportmeandgivemeconfidence to do what I needed to do.”
One of the big reasons for Bourne coming to the Thunder was to play under Harrower, who is one of Australia’s greatest players.
She said it was amazing to be coached by her and that Harrower was a real mentor to her.
“Kristi knows so much about the game,” she said. “The little things and teaches you to work through things.
“She shares what she has been taught and puts things into perspective and knows what is going on in the game and gets you to think about it outside the game.”
Bourne’s first season with the Thunder came to a disappointing end with Keilor losing the grand final to the Waverley Falcons, 87-82.
Bourne finished with 24 points, eight rebounds and five assists before fouling out in the dying minutes.
“I’m still coming to terms with the fact that it was hard to lose,” she said. “Waverley shot really well.
“We didn’t shoot well, but I’m still proud of our effort. We had our ups and downs and adversity as a team and getting to the grand final was awesome.”
Harrower said after the grand final she would like to bring the same team back again with Bourne saying hopefully they can get a few of them back again.
The 23-year-old doesn’t have much down time before preparation for the WNBL season kicks off. Bourne will play with the Lightning again.
“I’m back in Adelaide in a couple of weeks,” she said. “Then straight back into it.
“I’ve learned a lot from Kristi and Nat [Hurst], Adelaide Lightning coach] and I’ve had a full year back in Australia now.
Kangaroos’ big day out
September 17
Sunshine broke through for its first Western Football League senior premiership on Saturday, capping off one of the best days in the club’s history.
The club had only won three senior premierships entering Saturday’s division 2 decider against Albion.
All three came while the side was part of the YCW National Football Association, with their only A-grade premiership which came in 1976, their most recent premiership.
SaturdaywouldbecomeadaytheKangaroos would remember for years to come.
It started with the under-18s winning the division 2 premiership, followed by their reserves getting it done as well.
The seniors then had a big test ahead of them.
FacinglongtimerivalAlbion,theKangaroos had their work cut out for them.
The Cats were undefeated and had beaten the Kangaroos three times during the year.
It meant little on Saturday.
The Kangaroos led all day on the way to an 8.8 (56)-6.13 (49) win.
Kangaroos coach Guy Barbuto said they believed that they could get the job done.
“The process that we had and we stuck to it,” he said. “We knew they were gettable on their day and we got them.
“We backed our game style in wet, dry or whatever it was. That is what we did. We got to work, we knew they were hard at the contest and we needed to match them and I think we beat them at it.
“That is what nullified them from scoring.”
It was a case of four seasons on Saturday at Pennell Reserve, making the game a hard one to control.
There was a strong wind to one end for most of the day. There were periods of hail and then the sun came out and it was still.
The Kangaroos had the wind in the first quarter but weren’t fully able to make the most of it. The Cats then were the same in the second quarter.
It took until the third quarter for the game to open up.
“It was a tail of two halves,” Barburto said. “The game didn’t really open up to the second half and we were happy with that.
“We knew Albion hadn’t been down at any exchange throughout the year. To go in up at quarter time, half time and three quarter time the pressure would build on them.
“That’s what happened.”
Barbuto said they were wary midway through the third quarter when they had gotten out to a 34 point lead.
That was the point where the semi final changed between the two teams that the Kangaroos took their foot off the pedal. leading to the Cats win.
The Kangaroos had the same lapse again, but this time they’d given themselves a big enough lead to hold on.
While many of the crowd were shocked when the siren went, Barbuto said they knew that the siren wasn’t far off when it came.
Barbuto said the biggest thing in the win was everyone just playing their role.
Nathan Carroll and Declan Moloney kicked two goals each.
It was the skipper, O’Keefe, who was awarded the Rex Swann Medal, as the player judged best on ground by the umpires.
O’Keefe has come through the system at the Kangaroos.
“I think he came off with two blood rules, he was sore and put his body on the line and that’s what leaders do at this stage.”
Barbuto said to have all three teams win premierships on the same day.
“It’s a huge day for the club,” Barbuto said. “The work that Chappy [former coach Ben
Parkers go back-to-back
March 3
There’s been plenty of celebrations for Deer Park as it celebrated double premiership joy in the Bowls Victoria weekend pennant competitions.
The Parkers top side claimed back-to-back wins with a stunning premier division grand final on the long weekend.
It came after their second side won the division 2, section 1 title and finished runners-up in the overall division 2 title.
Head of bowls operations Mark Casey said it was in incredible feeling to go back-to-back in the premier division, having won their first ever premier division title last season.
“It’samazing,”hesaid. “It’sarewardfor the group’s hard work and commitment through a tough season.
“We never lost the belief in ourselves which was important.”
TheParkersfinishedtheregularseason on top of the ladder before losing to Moonee Valley in the first week of finals. They were able to bounce back the following week against Bundoora to win through to the grand final and another crack at Moonee Valley.
“We were disappointed with how we played against Moonee Valley, overall we werebelowthestandardthatweknowwe could get to and against good sides they makeyoupaywhichMooneeValleydid,” Casey said.
“We made some combination changes and put in a good performance against Bundoora.”
Casey said they knew they needed to risetotheoccasioninthegrandfinaland wanted to go up another level.
There was no repeat of the last match, with the Parkers getting off to a flier.
Once in front they were able to stay there and came away with a massive 83 (15)-58 (3) win.
Aron Sheriff’s rink won 26-11 and MatthewBaus’rinkhada25-8win.Ryan Tainton’s rink had a 20-all draw, while Jay Bye-Norris’ rink lost 19-12.
Caseysaidtheyneededall16playersto stand up in the final and that is exactly what happened.
“We had a number of outstanding individual performances, but it was how we operated as a whole unit that got the win. It was a complete performance.”
Isabelle Bourne. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 420269_18
Mark Mazzeo, Carroll, Matthew Cravino and Patrick O’Keefe were named their best.
Left: Thomas Mcintosh. Right: Sunshine celebrates the win. (Pictures: Ljubica Vrankovic) 431491
Deer Park caps off stellar season with premiership
March 26
The rise of Deer Park in the Victorian Turf Cricket Association is complete.
Having risen up the ranks to the senior division, the Lions went agonisingly close to pulling off an upset 12 months ago.
The Lions recruited well in the off season and went again this season, better prepared and hungrier to go even further.
They would be the best team all season and showed exactly that in the grand final, beating Sydenham-Hillside the last two weekends.
Lions coach Mick Andriadis said he was absolutely rapt for the boys and everyone involved.
‘It’s been a great season really,” he said. “We were undefeated for a long time and then lost a couple games towards the end.
“Then our semi final and obviously into this weekend and last weekend, the four day
granny. The boys were brilliantly led by Dean Russ and I can’t be more proud of the group and everyone involved at Deer Park.”
Andriadis said last season they were lucky to make finals and then the grand final, where as this season was a little bit different.
The Lions had one hand of the trophy after the first weekend of play.
It resumed at 8-141 still well behind the Lions first innings of 225. It wasn’t enough for Andriadis to not have some nerves during the week.
It didn’t take long for the Storm’s innings to be over, bowled out for 157, and giving the Lions a first innings lead.
The Lions went back out to bat and at 6-100 it was game on.
Angelo Emmanuel stuck with and was 93 not out overnight and he managed to get his century and he helped guide the Lions to 265, giving them a lead of 333.
Emmanuel finished with 136 which would later earn him man of the match honours.
Andriadis said it was great for Emmanuel to finish the game with a century.
“It would have had a tough night sleep thinking about his hundred and the match is
Keilor Thunder falls short
August 13
Keilor Thunder’s championship dreams fell short at the final hurdle in the National Basketball League 1 South women’s competition.
Having risen from 16th last season, the Thunder under Kristi Harrower became one of the dominant sides of the competition.
It made its first finals series and won through to its first grand final against the Waverley Falcons on Saturday afternoon.
The Thunder started the better of the two sides and managed to get out to a 10 point lead. Once the Falcons got into the game in the second quarter they were hard to stop, leading by two points at the main break.
The third quarter is the premiership quarter and that was when the game was decided as the Thunder went cold and struggled to put points on the board.
Keilor fought hard in the final quarter and gotitbacktowithinonebasketmorethanonce.
The Falcons though were able to steady to come away with the 87-82 win.
Thunder coach Kristi Harrower said they might have played their grand final game in the preliminary final.
“The girls played their hearts out and just wasn’t to be,” she said. “It was a tough game, it was physical.
“We probably just didn’t shoot the ball well like we did last week.”
Harrower said while they struggled with their shooting at times, she felt defensively they were also a little bit off at times.
She said allowing them to shoot 50 points in the first half killed them as they wanted to try and keep them in the 65-70 range for the whole game.
“Them having 50 in the first half, really hurt us and that was the biggest thing is trying to make sure that our defence was on point,“ Harrower said.
Harrower said the third quarter when they struggled from the perimeter was something they’d struggled with at times all season.
She said usually their defence is good enough to be able to hold that, but it wasn’t in the grand final.
Maddy Rocci and Isabelle Bourne scored 24 points each for Thunder.
While disappointed with the final result, Harrower said she was so proud of what the group had been able to achieve.
“It’s amazing for the club that we made it in my first year, the girls first year,“ she said. “But now hopefully we can keep building and bring the same group back and I’d love to bring the same group back because they’re actually a really special group and they get along really well together.”
Harrower said it was exciting that the club
had a lot of young talent coming through as well.
They had three youth league players part of the side for most of the season, including the grand final.
“I would really love to bring this team back and keep building on this, so much potential within this group I think we can get better each year,” she said. “They’re [Keilor] after local talent. They’re after building and they’re wanting to develop these kids.
“Even the youth league girls, I get they didn’t play much but they get to go training against quality players every time we step on the floor
for training and you know for them training against some of the best in Australia, that’s exciting for them.”
While the Thunder didn’t claim the championship, it did come away with three awards at the awards night on Friday night.
Harrower was named coach of the year, while Bourne was named most valuable player and in the all-star five.
“I mean the girls made it so much easier for me,” she said. “It was nice winning coach of the year, but this [the championship] would have capped it all off, for the season that we’ve had and the group that we’ve had together.”
still in the balance,” he said.
“If we had lost a few quick wickets, they would have had you know seventy overs to try to chase 250-odd, but we didn’t get them any more chances and we set them obviously a tough target with not many overs remaining.”
With nothing to lose, the Storm hit out to try and get the runs.
They were bowled out for 121.
Fawad Malook took 4-24 for the Lions.
Andriadis said that the Storm were a tough side and they’ll be better and stronger next year and will be hungrier again next season.
“Now we’ve got a taste for one, we might be hungrier as well,” he said.
While there’s been a number of recruits for the club, Andriadis and skipper Dean Russ both paid tribute to Ricky Suvada who has been through the tough and the good times with the club.
Double joy for Cougars
March 19
Sunshine YCW timed its run to perfection claiming not one but two Victorian Turf Cricket Association division 5 premierships.
The Cougars first XI was able to get the job done against Seabrook on the weekend, with the second XI beating Jacana in its grand final less than an hour later.
Cougars president Shaun Janetzki was lost for words in the aftermath of realisingtheyhadwontwopremierships.
“I left the first XI match after a beer with Seabrook and got the message the seconds got over the line as well,” he said.
“It hasn’t set in yet. A lot of hard work has been put into this. When we signed Lachie Lewin as coach, he had a five year plan and we’ve been able to achieve it in four.
“We picked up some younger players who have come over from the footy club and that brought another level to the club.
“I’ve never seen a tighter group at the club than this group, full stop. All the work over the years has come together this year.”
On Saturday, the Cougars’ Russell Pollock Shield side made 191 as they were bowled out in the second last over of the day.
The Cougars had a lot of contributors ondayonewithAmitojKangtopscoring with 40 as six players scored between 19 and 40.
Janetzki said at Seabrook’s ground 180 was a competitive score so they had been happy with what they achieved.
Seabrook started day two well and was seemingly on top at 0-40.
Janetzki said the group really responded from that point on.
“They got off to a cracking start and it would have been easy for our guys to drop their heads and wonder where the next wicket would come from,“ he said.
“We got one and then two and then we rolled through them.”
Seabrook then slipped to 8-89 before being bowled out for 123.
Dylan Payne was named player of the match.
“It was a tremendous team effort,” Janetzki said. “We spoke about it at training on Thursday night we had some of the 2001-02 first XI premiership players and they spoke about everyone doing the job, not relying on one or two good contributions.”
Penina Davidson puts a shot up. (Ian Knight Photography/NBL1)
